Why applicant community and belonging became a central requirement during covid

All the uncertainty surrounding the September 2020 enrolment does not mean there's any let up in offer-holder comms. over this period.

‍

In fact the opposite is true, there are now more concerted efforts being made by international admissions and recruitment teams to reach out to their various communities of students.

‍

Understandably, students are looking for guidance as to what is likely to happen in September. While this is largely unpredictable, a lack of certainty does not mean we should stop communicating.

‍

Simply and consistently bringing prospects and other stakeholders together to build stronger, meaningful communities is a powerful response to the present vacuum of certainty.

‍

What can you and your institution do to support your anxious international student prospects throughout this period of uncertainty? The teams at The University of Limerick (UL) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) shared their strategies:

‍

Sarah Butler - International Recruitment Coordinator (UL)

“We are keeping the offer-holders up to date on developments in specific Covid-19 chat groups as the situation evolves.  We post when there is an important update in this group, and then field the questions that arise.

Offer-holders can also interact with each other and talk                                                   about any general concerns they have in these                                                   forums.

                                                  Staff and ambassadors are open to private                                                   messages/DMs from students and can answer their                                                   concerns that way too.

                                                  UL understands that this is a stressful time for offer-                                                  holders and their families, we are encouraging students                                                   to use CampusConnect as a space for them to engage                                                   with us and other offer-holders.

                                                  CampusConnect has been particularly useful as a space                                                   to create a community and ease some of the concerns                                                   during this time.”

‍

‍

Liam Ryan - International Education Regional Manager (UL)

“On top of CampusConnect, UL is also doing online Zoom Q&A sessions with students who have questions or want to chat in more detail.We have worked with the Irish Immigration service to get an online English exam (Duolingo) approved by Universities and the visa offices.                                                   This was a direct response to queries from students                                                   about closed IELTS test centres.We are keeping positive                                                   and keeping communication lines open with students.

‍

‍

Joe Perkins - International CRM & Conversions Officer (ARU)

“The general approach has been to make sure we are getting people the most up-to-date information via a number of channels, in the quickest way possible.We’re also trying to gauge applicant opinion to inform how we prepare for future intakes by (e.g.) sending out a prospect                                                   survey.

                                                  The university has reacted in a number of ways:

                                                  Online pre sessional English courses (at a reduced rate)                                                   being launched imminently.

‍

                                                  COVID FAQ’s document on the university website (and                                                    linked via CC).

‍

                                                  Deadlines relaxed for deposit payment and meeting offer                                                   conditions, for example, things like transcripts and                                                   references etc.

‍

                                                  Virtual open days.

‍

                                                  Revised all coursework submission deadlines by adding                                                   ten working days to each submission deadline from 19                                                   March 2020 onwards.

‍

                                                  Launched a Laptop Support Bursary and COVID-19                                                   Hardship Fund.

‍

                                                  Amended our mitigation process to introduce more                                                   flexibility and be sympathetic to student circumstances                                                   arising from the COVID-19 situation.

‍

                                                  For all students who are remaining on campus a new                                                   closed Facebook group, ARU Together, has been set up.”